Comparison

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader vs Code Scan

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

Highlights
  • Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types
  • Scan from photos
  • Generate custom QR codes
  • Save, search, and filter scan history
  • View product details via Google/Amazon
  • Export history as text or CSV
Features
Read full description

Scan QR codes and more than 20 barcode formats from your camera or photo library. Code Scanner reads Data Matrix, GS1 DataBar, UPC, EAN, Aztec, PDF417 and more, then makes every result easy to save, find and share. SCAN ANYWHERE - Use the front or rear camera and torch - Import photos and detect multiple codes in one image - Automatically copy results or open scanned links KEEP CODES ORGANIZED - Save, search and filter your scan history - View values, code type, scan date and data size - Export history as CSV, plain text or a text file CREATE AND LOOK UP - Create and share QR codes and barcodes - Find product details with Google and Amazon - Reopen and share previous scans MADE FOR IPHONE AND IPAD - Dark Mode, Larger Text, VoiceOver, Voice Control, Reduced Motion and haptic feedback - A focused native experience without annoying ads SUPPORTED FORMATS QR, Micro QR, Aztec, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Data Matrix, EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14, PDF417, Micro PDF417, UPC, Codabar, GS1 DataBar and more. Questions or feedback? Email hello@craftapp.co. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Code Scan

This app scans and generates a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR codes, DataMatrix, and specialized formats like VDS. It offers features like camera zoom, flash support, and a history of scanned codes. Users can also share scanned data and create new barcodes.

Highlights
  • Scans all 1D and 2D barcodes
  • Supports MicroQR, VDS, and ICAO Datastructures
  • Adjustable camera zoom and flash for low light
  • Scan history and sharing functionality
  • Generates QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 barcodes
  • Dark mode and dark AppIcon support
Features
Read full description

Scan and create every common 1D and 2D barcode - one at a time or continuously in Batch Scan. Export your history as CSV or automatically send scans to your own server. Unlike an ordinary scanner, Code Scan also verifies the cryptographic seals on official documents. WHAT IT READS • QR, MicroQR and rMQR (rectangular MicroQR) • DataMatrix, including DMRE • Aztec, PDF417, MaxiCode • EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E • Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Codabar, ITF / ITF-14 • GS1 DataBar and DataBar Expanded • VDS, VDS-NC and IDB document seals Codes are decoded on your device: from the live camera, from a photo in your library, or from an image you share into the app from somewhere else. DIGITAL SEALS ON OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS This is what sets Code Scan apart: it does not just read the seal, it checks the cryptographic signature. • VDS (Visible Digital Seal, BSI TR-03137) in DataMatrix • VDS-NC (ICAO) and IDB (ICAO Datastructure for Barcode) in QR codes • Signatures verified against X.509 certificates, kept up to date automatically • Import your own X.509 certificates for closed ecosystems • MRZ data contained in a seal is parsed and shown in readable form This app supports reading and verification of (among others) VDS Profiles: - Social Insurance Card - Residence Permit Document - ICAO Visa Document - ICAO Emergency Travel Document - German Arrival Attestation Document - Address Sticker for German Identity Card - Place of Residence Sticker for German Passports VDS-NC Profiles: - ICAO PoT and PoV (ISO/IEC JTC1 SC17 WG3/TF5) CREATE YOUR OWN CODES • QR, DataMatrix, Aztec, PDF417 and Code 128 • Live preview while you type • Choose the QR error correction level (L / M / Q / H) or the PDF417 level (0-8) • Keep your codes in a library, mark favorites, share any of them as an image FASTER IN EVERYDAY USE • Camera light in four brightness steps and 1x / 2x / 4x zoom - for tiny print, dark rooms and laminated documents • Share a screenshot from any app to read the code inside it, or share a link to turn it into a code • Batch Scan: capture multiple codes without a result screen and save them straight to your history • Siri and Shortcuts: create a code or open the scanner by voice, or build both actions into your own shortcuts • Recreate a scanned code in a single tap, with the content already filled in A HISTORY THAT STAYS ORGANIZED • Grouped into Starred, Today, This Week and Before • Scanning a code again updates the existing entry instead of piling up duplicates • Export and share your scan history as a CSV file • Stored seals are re-verified in the background against the current certificates, so an expired signature stops showing as valid FOR PROFESSIONAL USE • GS1 application identifiers parsed and labelled • Open recognized links immediately, skipping the result screen • Copy and share the raw code data instead of the interpreted content • Optionally send scans automatically to your own HTTPS endpoint (off by default) • Play a confirmation sound after successful transfers • Native iPad layouts PRIVACY Decoding happens entirely on your device, and your history stays there. There is no account and no tracking. To verify seals, the app downloads the public signer certificates from our certificate service. The optional face comparison against a document portrait is the one feature that sends an image to a KURZ Digital service, and only when you start it yourself. For wishes and suggestions just contact us at info@kurzdigital.com

Screenshots

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader4 screens
Code Scan4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Code Scan at none against Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's 13. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Code Scan asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader against 4.6 for Code Scan. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 650 and 730 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's written reviews are positive against 79% of Code Scan's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, Code Scan every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader versus Code Scan: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode Scanner QR Barcode ReaderCode Scan
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (650 ratings)4.6 (730 ratings)
Positive reviews72.2% of reviews79.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings650730 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB17 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperBen GilroyKURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG

Customer experience

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

All ratings650 ratings
Positive89.7%
Neutral4.0%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive72.2%
Neutral5.6%
Negative22.2%

Code Scan

All ratings730 ratings
Positive89.2%
Neutral2.5%
Negative8.4%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive79.4%
Neutral8.8%
Negative11.8%

User reviews

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

From 650 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
  • 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
  • 💰 Free to use (historically)
  • 🎯 Does one job well

Room to improve

  • 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
  • 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
  • ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
  • 🔍 Missing zoom feature
  • 😕 Non-intuitive operation

Code Scan

From 730 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
  • 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
  • 💡 Supports various barcode and QR code types
  • 💡 Excellent for difficult-to-scan codes
  • 💡 Flashlight feature is convenient

Room to improve

  • 😡 Nag pop-up for reviews
  • 🐛 Does not load websites
  • 🐛 Useless for specific registration tasks
  • 🐛 Copy or close options produce no result

Bugs and requests

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
  • Cannot scan from photos
  • Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
  • Data matrix format not supported
  • Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

Requested features

5 requests
  • Zoom functionality for better scanning
  • Integrated search option within app
  • Data matrix code support
  • Scan history/log feature
  • Ability to delay browser opening after scan

Code Scan

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Does not load websites
  • Copy or close options produce no result

Requested features

2 requests
  • Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
  • Option to contribute via donation instead of ads

In-app purchases

13 purchases

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Subscriptions10
  • Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Code Scanner Pro$1.997 Days
  • Monthly$2.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • Code Scanner Pro$3.991 Month
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Yearly7 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • Lifetime$24.99
  • Lifetime$29.99
  • Lifetime$59.99
None

Code Scan

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Code Scan free?
Code Scan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or Code Scan?
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader and Code Scan are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 650 and 730 ratings respectively.
Do Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or Code Scan have ads?
Neither Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader nor Code Scan shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or Code Scan?
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and Code Scan every 4 weeks. Most recently, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader was updated on September 21, 2026 and Code Scan on September 23, 2026.

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